Chief AI and Data Office Business Manager

Apex Group Ltd (UK Branch); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global fund administration firm in Abu Dhabi is seeking an AI & Data Office Business Manager to lead its data transformation agenda. This pivotal role includes overseeing global data initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives, and enhancing data quality standards. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in data management, a strong background in financial services, and excellent stakeholder management skills. The firm offers competitive remuneration and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Training and development opportunities

Inclusive company culture

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data management and AI/ML program management.
• Proven track record delivering enterprise-scale data programs in financial services.
• Deep understanding of data governance, quality, and modern data architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global Data Program Office overseeing planning and execution of data initiatives.
• Establish program governance frameworks and delivery standards.
• Ensure alignment between data programs and strategic business objectives.

Skills

Data management

AI/ML program management

Stakeholder management

Data governance

Regulatory compliance

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or professional certifications (PMP, PgMP, CDMP)

Tools

Agile

SAFe

PMO frameworks

Job description

AI & Data Office (CAIDO) Business Manager

The Apex Group was established in Bermuda in 2003 and is now one of the world’s largest fund administration and middle office solutions providers.

Our business is unique in its ability to reach globally, service locally and provide cross-jurisdictional services. With our clients at the heart of everything we do, our hard-working team has successfully delivered on an unprecedented growth and transformation journey, and we are now represented by over circa 13,000 employees across 112 offices worldwide.Your career with us should reflect your energy and passion.

That’s why, at Apex Group, we will do more than simply ‘empower’ you. We will work to supercharge your unique skills and experience.

Take the lead and we’ll give you the support you need to be at the top of your game. And we offer you the freedom to be a positive disrupter and turn big ideas into bold, industry-changing realities.

For our business, for clients, and for you

Description

The AI and Data Office (CAIDO) Business Manager will lead the governance, execution, and oversight of the firm’s global data transformation agenda. This role is responsible for establishing the frameworks, standards, and operating model that ensure data initiatives are delivered consistently, efficiently, and in alignment with strategic business priorities.

Operating at the intersection of technology, operations, and regulatory compliance, the AI and Data Office Business Manager will drive enterprise‑wide coordination, strengthen data governance, and ensure the successful delivery of programs that enhance data quality, accessibility, and value across the fund administration ecosystem.

This is a high‑visibility leadership role with significant influence across global operations, product teams, and executive stakeholders.

Job specification

• Lead the global Data Program Office, overseeing the planning, prioritization, and execution of all data‑related initiatives.
• Establish and maintain program governance frameworks, delivery standards, and reporting structures.
• Ensure alignment between data programs and the firm’s strategic objectives, regulatory obligations, and client commitments.
• Monitor program performance, risks, dependencies, and budgets, providing transparent reporting to executive leadership.
• Translate the enterprise data strategy into actionable programs and workstreams across data governance, data quality, data architecture, BI, and AI/ML.
• Partner with the Chief Data Officer and senior leaders to define multi‑year roadmaps and investment priorities.
• Drive consistency and standardization across global data initiatives, ensuring scalability and operational efficiency.
• Act as a central point of coordination across technology, operations, product, risk, and compliance teams.
• Build strong relationships with global business leaders to ensure adoption of data standards, policies, and tools.
• Lead change‑management efforts to embed data‑driven practices across the organization.
• Communicate program progress, risks, and outcomes in a clear, executive‑ready manner.
• Oversee the implementation of data governance frameworks, including data ownership, stewardship, and quality controls.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements relevant to fund administration, including data privacy, reporting standards, and operational risk frameworks.
• Partner with risk and compliance teams to strengthen data controls and audit readiness
• Implement best‑practice methodologies for program and portfolio management.
• Drive continuous improvement across data processes, tooling, and delivery models.
• Ensure that data initiatives deliver measurable business value, operational efficiency, and enhanced client outcomes.
• Support the adoption of modern data platforms, cloud technologies, and automation capabilities.

Skills Required

• 10+ years of experience in data management and AI/ ML program management, or transformation leadership,
• Proven track record delivering enterprise‑scale data programs in financial services; fund administration or asset servicing experience strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of data governance, data quality, metadata management, and modern data architectures.
• Strong experience with program/portfolio management methodologies (e.g., Agile, SAFe, PMO frameworks).
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at executive and board levels.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements impacting data in financial services.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certifications (PMP, PgMP, CDMP) preferred.

What you will get in return

• A genuinely unique opportunity to be part of an expanding large global business;
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience;
• Training and development opportunities

We pride ourselves in our commitment to fostering a connected and inclusive culture, all our opportunities at Apex have four (4) days in office requirement.

Additional information

We are an equal opportunity employer and ensure that no applicant is subject to less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, gender identity, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic, responsibilities for dependants, physical or mental disability. Any hiring decision are made on the basis of skills, qualifications and experiences.

We measure our success as a business, not only by delivering great products and services and continually increasing our assets under administration and market share, but also by how we positively impact people, society and the planet.

For more information on our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) please https://www.apexgroup.com/corporate-social-responsibility/

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Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Apex (Talent Acquisition Team or Hiring Managers) by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position. Apex operates a direct sourcing model and where agency assistance is required, the Talent Acquisition team will engage directly with our exclusive recruitment partners.